A Road Runs Through it- right through the ruins of Tsukuba`s old Hanamuro-Jo (花室城) Fortress, that is! 20 January, 2016

By Avi Landau

This pedestrian bridge connects both sides of what once was the old fortress

Each and every day of the year, thousands of people pass through the ruins of the old Hanamuro-Jo Fortress (花室城) in Tsukuba .Since this has been going on without a single day`s (or hour`s) break for more than 35 years, we are talking about much greater total numbers over the years than those of the vistors to any one of Japan`s greatest castles- which are in fact some of the most distinctive in the world- including Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle, even the spectacular Himeji Castle.

This is true, despite the fact that the Hanamuro Jo has no elegant turrent (tenshukaku), or impressive stone foundations. Nor does it have any cleverly designed defensive features, such as those found in its more famous couterparts- in fact we dont know very much about what it was like at all.

The multitudes Ive told you about who do pass through the ruins, though, remain within its precincts for less than 5 seconds,and do not even get out of their cars- in fact, they almost surely do not know that a fortress does or ever did stand on that spot! There are no sign are marking of any kind to indicate this.

The only reason that they do go through this Civil War Period (Sengoku Jidai) Fort, is that a major road they are using- the Tsuchiura Gakuen Line ( 土浦学園線), was built to run right through it. If you live in Tsukuba or its vicinity, you have probably passed through it yourself- many a time!

You could have recognized the spot by the white pedesrian bridge which runs across that road about 300 meters east ( that means towards Tsuchiura if you are driving from Tsukuba Center) of the Hanamuro Intersection ( 花室交差点)- which is the first light after the Route Hotel.

(You might well ask- if nobody else knows about it, Avi, then how do YOU? When, I learned of the location of the old fort (which I knew of from obscure history texts) from an even obscurer map of Tsukuba- an archaeological map- which was given to me by the curator of a local history museum.)

The Tsuchiura-Gakuen Road cutting the castle ruins in two (Tsukuba 2011)

How did this sad state of affairs come to be? Well, when the Japanese government was looking for a place to build a new science city, they found, about 50 kilometers North-East of Tokyo, an area which besides a few scattered hamlets was mostly forest and marshland- the area that is now Tsukuba! A perfect place to start construction! And instead of the impossibly narrow and winding roads which are found running though much of Japan, it was decided to begin work on the new planned city by laying down some modern new thoroughfares- wide and STRAIGHT!

And though I believe that the Japanese authorites are usually interested in at least documenting archaeological finding after detailed surveys before construction ( sometime plans are actually stopped as a result of these excavations), it seems that a blind eye was turned when it can to construction in Tsukuba. Straight lines were marked out by the surveyors, and historical sites or no historical sites, hills were cut through, trees cut down and asphalt laid.

A closer view of the bridge

The Hanamuro Jo was one of a string of three fortifications built along the same ridge on between the Sakura and Hanamuro Rivers, probably by vassals of the Oda Family, which had a more impressive castle in the part of Tsukuba called Oda ( there are in fact about 30 ruined fortications within the limits of today`s Tsukuba City.

The last mention of the Hanamuro Fort was in the late 16th century, and since it was dismantled, a part of the hill on which it once stood came to be covered with traditional houses ( most of them beautifully rustic and some very impressive. I have heard that the great Lord of the Mito Clan- Mitsukuni- Mito Komon, used to stay at one of these homes when he came on pilgrimages to Mt Tsukuba)and a Buddhist Temple ( Kakuo Ji). There is also a Yasaka Shrine, which is unusual in that it seems to stand within the grounds of a private home.(All in all it is one of the more peace and atmospheric residential neighborhhods in Tsukuba to walk through).

The part of the hill on which the main fortification sat, however, was always respectfully called The Castle by the local residents- and left undeveloped- until the bulldozers came to put in the Tsukuba Gakuen line.

A view from the other side

Even with the road running through it, the old fortress site can still has a special aura about it.And the views afforded from the spot where the main fortress once stood are pleasing and reveal why this hill was chosen as a place to build a fort.

It is a perfect place to contemplate the passing nature of all things- even things that were built to last, like fortresses.

On top of the ruins of the Hanamuro-Jo

Unfortunately, it looks like more of Tsukuba`s historical heritage is going to wind up under asphalt. More roads have been planned and the city seems to be trying to keep the public in the dark regarding the large number of sites of archaeological value in Tsukuba which have not yet been fully syveyed . I guess there is a belief that in a SCIENCE CITY, there is no room for nature ( I dont mean parks) or historical attractions. At least that is what I have heard that taht is the opinion of Mayor Ichihara.

I would like to show him my map. Im sure he hasnt seen it. It probably would not make him change his mind, but it might make him feel guilty!

From the top of the ruins looking out onto the plain below

A rendering of the area which the Hanamuro fortress took up- note the road which now runs through it!

4 Comments

Thanks Avi-san!
I finally found Hanamuro-Jo today. As you wrote it was good location to build fortress. Now empty area. it reminded me famous Japanese song Kojo-no-Tsuki（荒城の月：Moon above the ruined castle）also Matsuo Basyo’ famous poem :松尾芭蕉 ”Natsukusaya Tuwamono domoga Yumenoato(夏草や、つわものどもが、夢の跡：Grass of summer, its reminds ruin of dreams of Samurais). The sky was very clear and could feel warmth of early spring, so my impression was not sad about those people who used to live in this castle.

Next I visited Kakuouji(覚王寺：Buddhist temple of Sodo-syu-Zen: 曹洞宗–禅) near Hanamuro-Jo. This was around 500years old (not so old as a Japanese Temple). The temple itself were renewed its roof several years ago from Kaya (thatch) to Kawara. It was my surprise there are so many gorgeous newly build tomb-stones, beside them very old stones of the family in Edo-era. This was my guess that the new road opened there might be compensation. But it was a good thing to innovate continua-ting family’s graveyard. Also I found there family names of “Ohtsu”and “Odakura”. Those may be descendant of Load Ohtsu Nagato no Kami of Hanamuro-castle, and Load Oda of Oda- castle.

I felt sorry to see a big stone monument to find there were around twenty ordinal solders names carved, who lost their lives during WWⅡ- fighting, their fathers and brothers praised them on the back.

I ate my humble lunch on the outdoor bench and tables in the temple, watching one third blossomed old-tree white Ume（梅：apricot）in the garden with plenty sunshine . Nice feeling!!
And female Jyobitaki came and stopped near my place!! WA-O!!
I could finally recognize JYOBITAKI!

Mamoru-San! Its seems you had a great day! The weather was perfect, too!
Did you go inside the main hall of KAKUO-JI. There are some sculptures of interest ( I have posted pictures of them on Tsukublog this past summer).

And how about the MIGAWARI STONE? If you didnt find it this time I will give you more detailed directions.

To tell the truth I searched MIGAWARI STONE around the Hanamuro-JO but could not find!! Decided to visit central library to read Tsukuba-town Historical book,locked my bicycle, found it closed even it was Thursday, had to Pay 150en. A litle bit regrettable thing for a good day.

Mamoru-San, that is too bad about not finding the MIGAWARI STONE.
Here are some clear directions.
Coming from Tsukuba Center, take the Tsuchiura Gakuen Line to the Hanamuro Interesection.
Turn left.
Go straight to the first traffic light. Stop there if you are on bicycle, and start walking to the left.
If you look over to the right side, you will notice a small wooded hill or mound. That is where the stone is. cross
over to the other side and you will find a paved pathway to the stairs leading up to the HOKORA ( the housing for the stone).
There is also a large stone tablet which explains which gives the story.
Happy Explorings!